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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813815" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 115, “The Ride to Tombstone” Monday, March 20th, 1882, 9:45 A.M. Chester helped load Gifford onto the stage. He says cheerily, "I hope to never see you again in Promise City. Have a nice trip." Once the coach drives out of sight, he says to Eduardo, "Do you need me for anything else around the office? If not, I'm going across the street to see if anyone knows anything about those people shooting at us the other day." Eduardo answers, "Gifford was the only reason someone had to be here all the time. Go ahead." Chester says, "Thanks. I'll let you know what I find out." As the stagecoach leaves town Jake reads for a while over Ruby's shoulder but soon tires of that. "Neil, which saloon in Tombstone are you part owner? How does that work for you, being away most of the time? I'm always looking for investment opportunities but I'm not sure about owning something and not being around much to see it's operations." He replies, "I own twenty-five percent of the Silver Nugget Saloon. I lived in Tombstone prior to coming to Promise City and owned it then. When I left my partners were happy to keep me on, so I could return in case the lumber business didn't work out. I don't have to be there very often because I have partners who I trust." Jake listens carefully to his answer before turning to Roger Fly and asking, "When I first came to town I was surprised to learn there were two photography establishments. Is there really enough business in Promise City for both of you? How are the Barkers as competition?" Fly states, "The Barkers are tough competition. If not for the boarding house I doubt we'd be able to stay in business. My prices are lower but they have better equipment and can do fancier work. I got into this business through my brother Camillus Sidney Fly and his wife Mary. They own and manage a boarding house and photo studio in Tombstone. When Promise City was being established he suggested that I set up a comparable operation here." Some more time passes and Jake looks back at Neil Cassidy and says, "Isn't it funny how fast rumors get started and travel? Somebody at the saloon last night told me they overheard two guys talking at the Papago store about how everyone in town knows Gifford here blabbed everything he knows to Warren Earp including something about Hamilton Fisk. Somebody out of the blue thinks up something and next thing you know it is being told like it is fact. People are sure funny. I bet Fisk would have them dragged into court and brought up on liable charges in no time if he heard it. He doesn't strike me as the kind of man who has much sense of humor." Jake watches Gifford's face out of the corner of his eye. "I'm sure glad that talk was only last night. If that talked had started early enough in the week to get back to the right ears and you really were from the Cowboy gang Gifford well..." Jake chuckles, "it seems to me the gang would want to talk to you pretty bad. I'm happy you'll be the lawman's problem in a little while." Gifford begins to sweat and his hands start to shake. Ruby states, "Me too, Jake, I'm glad that talk was only last night. Cause I heard that A LOT of Cowboys died, and that Ringo wanted to talk as well as possibly that Mr. Fisk. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure I heard that Ringo was coming by last night to talk to Mr. Gifford about the same thing and if we didn't happen to be there well... Mr. Gifford here might have done a lot of talking." Ruby shrugs but looks Gifford right in the eyes. "Rumors are funny that way." Ruby is silent for a moment. "Course, being that was just a rumor and all... Gifford here might be wishing he had told the Earps or their associates something. Because another rumor going around is that they are REAL ticked about poor Morgan being shot and they aren't bothering to talk to anyone suspected of being a Cowboy. And you know how those Earps are," Ruby shrugs again. Gifford struggles in his seat and indicates that he wants the gab removed. Neil Cassidy pushes him back and says "Too late for that stupid. We couldn't do anything with you even if we wanted to, we're not lawmen." "Oh, but Mr. Cassidy, wouldn't it be interesting to hear what Mr. Gifford has to say? I mean, Mr. Chumbley here, being a newspaper man and all, could certainly attest to the Earps whatever Mr. Gifford thinks he has to say. Might be useful for them, instead of them just killing him on the spot." Ruby shrugs again. "Then again, what do I know?" Fly says, "Okay, let's hear what he has to say." The gag is removed and Gifford blurts out "I didn't say anything to anybody, you gotta believe me. Fisk is my lawyer, he told me to keep quiet, said that would be safest. I've told nothing to nobody!" "Keep quiet about what, Mr. Gifford?" Ruby asks innocently. "If you want us to help you, you should tell us what you know." He blurts out "There's a guy who's been setting this whole thing up, bankrolling the Cowboys. He keeps a low profile, never does anything directly. Uses these two other guys as his shills, they pretend to be the leaders of the Gang, but it's really the power guy behind the scenes who is pulling all the strings. I'm really low on the food chain, you want those two leaders and the money man." "And do you know who the two leaders and the moneyman are? I bet the Earps would be awfully considerate of you giving them this info. Heck, we don't know, the information you have might be really important to them, so important we'd better make sure we get you to Tombstone alive and let them know what you know." Ruby smiles at Gifford reassuringly. Gifford says, "Yeah, I know who all three of them are. It was four, but you killed Pony Deal. But I'm not dealing with you guys, what I know is the only leverage I have to keep the Earps from killing me outright, and I don't expect them to abide by any arrangement they weren't a party to." "Well, that sure sounds like a plausible story and a good reason for you not to tell us anything." Ruby pauses and taps her lips in thought. "On the other hand, you could just be a real good liar," she says with a raised eyebrow. "Why should we believe any of this and risk our lives, if that time comes, to get you to the Earps?" He exclaims, "Fine, don't believe me. Stop the stage right now and let me out, I'll take my chances." Ruby smiles sweetly, "You wish." "Make that two. Billy Claibourne is also dead." Jake adds dryly. "Since you let your mouth run off everyone around town is saying the other two are Stilwell and Ringo. Seems to me the Earps don't need you to tell them twice. Guess all you have left is the money man. Looks like your value is diminishing rapidly." His eyes grow wide as Jake states that and he begins to sweat more. He starts to speak but his lip quivers. He pauses and thinks for a few minutes and then says with a meager attempt to add confidence to his voice., "There are close to a hundred in the county of know of the gang leadership, the identity of the money man is only known to a handful of us. I think the Earps may want to hear what I say." Jake chuckles, "Well then, perhaps you do have something with which to bargain. Maybe I can convince Wyatt he should consider bargaining with you. He may be a little out of sorts right now, with his brother freshly murdered." Jake turns to admire Ruby for a moment, seemingly to have left the conversation when he suddenly says, "There is the little matter of close to a hundred folks in the county convincing each other that the information coming out about the gang is from Lane Gifford and not each other. Which probably means some number of them would take violent action to keep you from getting to the speak to the Earps again. Let us now hope that they don't have an ambush planned on the road to Tombstone. Look around Gifford, there isn't anybody in this stage going to throw themselves in the way of a bullet meant for you." "Go ahead and put the gag back on him, I don't think he has anything else he wants to tell us." Cassidy does so and says, "Yep, I'm no lawman. If anybody stops the stage to get this guy I say we just turn him over to them." The remainder of the stagecoach ride to Tombstone proves to be without incident. Gifford is given another chance to talk but remains quiet, apparently thinking he has the best chance with the Earps. It is around 12:30 PM when they near the town, hearing the sounds from the stamping mills from about a half-mile out. Now that they are nearing the end of the coach ride, Ruby turns to Chumbley. "Is your boss still considering opening an office in Promise City?" Chumbley smiles and says "Funny that you should ask that. I plan to talk to him this afternoon about that very subject." She says, "Oh really? Isn't that a coincidence. Maybe you can take us to meet him sometime. I'd love to tell him what a professional and honest job you do and what great help you've been to us, Mr. Chumbley." Ruby gives him a sweet smile. "Oh, well then you should probably meet him soon then. His name is John Clum and he is the editor of the Epitaph. He used to be Mayor of town too but isn't at the moment. Probably will run again at some point." Ruby says, "Well whenever you think it would be a good time, let us know. We'll be in town a couple of days, we leave on Wednesday.” He answers, "Well, I plan to talk to Mr. Clum later this after noon, early evening at the most. I'm planning to give him an ultimatum. So I'd suggest that you talk to him first." Ruby raises her eyebrows at Chumbley. "An ultimatum, huh? Is that in regard to opening the new office? You must be so tired running back and forth all the time." He leans in close and whispers into her ear "I am getting tired of the travel. It's not only inconvenient but keeps the news from being as current as it could be. Don't tell anybody, but I am currently entertaining another job offer. If Clum doesn't agree then I intend to give him my resignation." Ruby smiles and acts nonchalant. She leans in and whispers back, "I won't tell anyone, but who is the job offer from? I'd miss you if you weren't around." He leans in even closer and whispers "I'm been offered the job of Editor-in-Chief of the Promise City Herald." She exclaims, "You can't!" Ruby realizes that everyone in the stage is looking at her. "You can't not tell me what the best dinner in town is Chumbley..." She gives him a glance, hoping he catches on. Once everyone stops staring she leans back in closer again, "But that paper is not honest. Who offered you the job?" He says, "Why, the new owners did. Baxter is gone, they bought him out. He packed up and left town early yesterday morning. He's probably in Benson by now." "Well, I'm certainly not sad to see him go." Ruby then eyes him slightly suspiciously, "Who are the new owners?" He whisper's back "Arcade's Gang. They had a major run in with Baxter their first time they were in town so decided to cut right to the chase this time and buy him out." Ruby continues to keep her voice low, "I thought they were outlaws...then again I'm Mrs. Cookie the prostitute," Ruby laughs lightly under her breath. "Well tell me, Chumbley, what would you like? To stay at your paper with an office in Promise City or to go to the Herald? I'm not sure your new bosses would like our relationship." Chumbley replies, "They aren't my new bosses yet, well maybe they are, this is confusing. I need to have that talk with Mr. Clum then I can decide better what to do next. And why wouldn't they like our relationship? I wasn't aware that we even had a relationship yet? Wouldn't Mr. Cook get jealous?" She says, "Well, I was asking your opinion as I can, on occasion, be very persuasive and if you wanted to change papers then I wouldn't go and talk to Blum. But if you want to give it a chance I will go and tell him what a great reporter you are and how silly he would be to let you go." "As for our relationship," she says a bit louder, "Yes, Mr. Cook IS a jealous man and he likes to keep me to himself. But you and I are friends and I just wanted to make sure we keep it that way." She leans in closer again, "And I'd like to make sure I have someone to tell all my juicy stories to who will get them right. So I'd like to make sure we stay friends." With that she gives him a little kiss on the cheek. Ruby can see the town of Tombstone now quickly approaching them. She turns her attentions to Roger Fly. "Mr. Fly, I would like to come by and get my picture taken later this week. Maybe you and I can come to some sort of arrangement that can benefit both of us. I've been told I'm quite photogenic. Perhaps you can take some pictures of me free of charge and you can display them, maybe I can display some at the Lucky Lady. Once I see the superior quality, which I am sure they'll be, I can also recommend your services when I'm singing. I bet with all the new business you'd get you'd be able to upgrade your equipment." "Also, I'm on the committee for the festival..." Ruby stops to tap her lips for a moment. "If I could get a look at your work, perhaps I could recommend you for our official photographer? Would you be interested?" Fly says, "Why yes, I would be very interested in doing both of those things." She replies, "Oh that's wonderful! Now all I have to do is convince my boyfriend to join me, as I do so desire a photograph of him so I can admire it while he is away." Ruby glances at Jake, not sure what his reaction will be. "I will stop by and see you at the end of the week then. We can talk about the festival then if you'd like." She then asks, "Oh Chumbley, one more question. Do you happen to know where Mr. George Eastman is staying? He is here in town with his cousin Helen Eastman Barker." He replies, "No, I saw them get off the Stage yesterday but I left just an hour later so don't know where they went. My guess is that they're probably staying at either the Grand Hotel or the Cosmopolitan Hotel." She replies, "I'll make sure to check there then. Thanks a lot." Ruby takes a look out the window, then gathers up her papers and her bag. "Well, looks like we're here. I'm glad that went off without any problems." Jake chooses to just smile and keep quiet when Ruby wonders out loud what he will think. He continues to keep an eye outside the stage even though they are close to town. Chuck Nevers drives the stagecoach directly to the Tombstone Marshall's Office and Jail. Jake and Ruby notices that the hole in the jail's side wall has been repaired since they had visited here in January. The Wells Fargo Stage gets as close to the door as possible and Nevers climbs down and opens the side door while Gilly and Glass stand ready with their firearms. A man who they recognize as Tombstone's Deputy Marshall, Marshall Williams, comes to the door. As he is also the Wells Fargo Regional Director, and therefore the boss's boss, the three Wells Fargo employees are on their most professional behavior as Nevers quickly fills Williams in on what has transpired. Neil Cassidy says "Let's get this guy off as quickly as possible. I'm here to get a Town Marshall back, not make myself a target." He has Jake and Roger help him get Gifford up and into the building. Deputy Marshall Williams unlocks a cell and Gifford is quickly placed inside, hands still tied and gag still on him. Jake asks, "Marshall, where are the Earps? I want to make sure they know Gifford is here.” Williams replies, He replies, "You missed them by about an hour. Morgan's body left by train at noon, to be buried at their family plot in California. James Earp is accompanying the body back to California accompanied by James wife and stepdaughter who will remain there. They have to change trains in Tucson, so the other three brothers went along to serve as pallbearers for the transfer to the other train. Virgil, Wyatt and Warren should all be back here on the first train tomorrow." Jake adds, “Oh, and I'll be in town for a couple of days so perhaps you'd still like to have that conversation." Williams answers, "Good, let me know where you're staying and I'll drop by." "I'll send word after we check in somewhere." A smirk appears on Jake's face, "I'm sure a fine detective like yourself would know anyway." "Looks like you gentlemen will be in town overnight after all. How about I meet you at the train station when the Earps arrive tomorrow?" "I was coming to town anyway on my own expense for a some business and some pleasure. That was a very generous offer on your part but there is no need to burden your brother on my account. I'll let you know where I am staying, you don't really need me until the Earps are back in town, do you?" Fly says, "Aren't you going to be staying with us at my brother's boarding house? That was what had been decided at the Committee meeting." Jake answers, "I was coming to town anyway on my own expense for a some business and some pleasure. That was a very generous offer on your part but there is no need to burden your brother on my account. I'll let you know where I am staying, you don't really need me until the Earps are back in town, do you?" "No, I suppose not," Fly states. Cassidy says, "But do make a point to drop by the Silver Dollar Saloon tonight." He then laughs and says, "Give me an opportunity to beat you at cards at my saloon rather than yours." Ruby says, "Well, Mr. Cassidy, now that we won't be at my saloon perhaps you'll give ME a chance to beat you at cards." She smiles at him, "That is, if you won't hold it against me if I win." Neil says, "Why no my dear, I would never hold anything against you. Although Mr. Cook will probably warn you, I am rather good at poker. I'm not sure which of us has won more from the other over time but overall I'd say that we are close to even." She answers, "Oh, I remember how good you are, you've had quite a few winning nights if I recall. Perhaps you'll go easy on me then and let me win a few hands, just so I don't feel left out." Ruby gives him a mischievous smile while twirling her finger around a curl in her hair.</blockquote>

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